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Free event to celebrate Jumbo
Hundreds of people are expected to join a free Community Activity Day at Jumbo in June as supporters gather to celebrate Colchester’s favourite landmark. Live music, crafts, community performances and fun activities will take place outside Jumbo and the Mercury Theatre on Saturday, June 27.
The Jumbo Community Activity Day is set to be a family-friendly event with something for everyone. There will also be a chance to meet the team and learn more about the restoration plans and a host of volunteering opportunities.
Simon Hall MBE DL, Chair North Essex Heritage:
“This Community Activity Day is another fun part of The Jumbo Project made possible thanks to the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, Jumbo will be conserved and adapted into a commercially viable and accessible visitor attraction and venue. We are protecting a symbol of Colchester’s astonishing industrial past and creating a powerful new space for its future, for culture, learning, events and community life.”
“Jumbo Community Activity Day is a chance for everyone to come together, have fun and make a difference. We can’t wait to meet people from across the city and beyond to have fun and talk all things Jumbo.
“Our Activities Team have been busy with an exciting programme of community engagement and this event on June 27 will be a great way of getting even more people involved in Jumbo’s future.”
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to watch local street artist Eyesaw working with young people to complete a series of creative workshops in partnership with The Minories Art Gallery. Their designs will feature on the hoardings surrounding Jumbo during its restoration which is due to start this year.
Family-friendly tours of Jumbo will be available, offering panoramic views across the city. Tours can be booked in advance through the Jumbo website or via the Mercury Theatre Box Office. Please note, only children 8+ years are permitted on tours. If spaces are available, tours can be booked on the day.
Jumbo Community Activity Day will run from 10am until 3pm. Most of the activities will be free, with donations welcomed. There is a charge for tours with proceeds going to the Love Jumbo public fundraising appeal.
Supporters can be part of history and show they Love Jumbo by donating here. You can also sponsor some of Jumbo’s 1.2m locally made bricks and receive a digital certificate. For a limited time, businesses can buy a private corporate tour tailored to their teams or guests.